Fluent material dispensing device



21, 1935. FlTZKEE 2,028,655

FLUENT MATERIAL DISPENSING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 15, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet l Inventor Mala 112732 2399 Attomey Jam. 21, 1936. M, w F|TZKEE 2,928,655

'FLUENT MATERIAL DISPENSING DEVICE Original Filed Dec. 15 1333 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 (a Z i Z Zfl,

vI Z6 4//.;

ZZ /z 7 Inventor firaz'a We 2 2/1296 v Attomey Patented Jan. 21, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FLUEN T MATERIAL DISPENSING DEVICE Marcia Wilson Fitzkee, San Francisco, Calif.

2 Claims.

This invention relates to the broad class of fluent material dispensing devices and is in the nature of a novel contribution to the art and trade characterized by certain structural refinements and improvements carefully selected and structurally coordinated to permit the desired results to be more satisfactorily attained.

In carrying the principles of the present inventive conception into actual practice I have evolved and produced a unique structural assembly calculated to better fulfill the requirements of a device of this class and to thereby provide an appreciable addition to the stated field of invention, whereby to provide a positive and dependable means for containing and dispensing powdered and granular material such as powdered flake soap, condiments and granular food such as coffee, rice and the like.

Needless to say I am aware of the fact that the invention pertains to an already well developed and crowded art. It is therefore my primary aim to provide a structure possessing features and advantages believed to transcend those of similar prior patented and marketed dispensing devices by providing one having certain structural features of distinction and importance as will be hereinafter set forth.

In the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure l is a view in section and elevation illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention as constructed in accordance with my ideas.

Figure 2 is a central vertical sectional view taken at approximately right angles to Figure 1.

tainer showing its attaching member.

Figure 4 is a group perspective view showing 40 one style of a hanger or attaching means.

Figure 5 is a view showing an alternative form of attaching means.

Figure 6 is an elevational view of the style of hanger or attaching fixtures illustrated in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a salient part or unit of the regulating valve assembly.

Referring now to the illustrative drawings by distinguishing reference numerals it will be observed that the principal part of the assemblage is in the nature of a. container denoted unitarily by the numeral 8. This may be of any suitable material proportioned and shaped. It preferably comprises a body or casing portion 9 substantially vertically elongated and rectangularv in cross section andopen at its top to accommodate a dome-like cover or closure Hi. The part II] is removable to permit the dispensable material to be inserted. Incidentally the complete package (not shown) can be placed in the casing 8 or the 5 contents of the package can be dumped into it. At its bottom the casing is provided with an appropriately shaped and proportioned hopper or receiver ll centrally apertured to permit the powdered or granular material to escape by 10 gravity. On the back of the container is an attaching fixture here shown as in the form of a plate l2 having retention channels or cleats l3 arranged to releasably engage the hanger bracket I4 (see Figure 4). This bracket M includes an 15 adapter strap 55 with laterally directed attaching ends i6 adapted to be secured to a wall or equivalent support I! in the manner shown in Figure 2. The numerals l8 are merely clearance notches to facilitate application and removal or 20 the channel I3.

I next call attention to the internal mechanism which may be referred to collectively as the valve assembly or means.

The latter means comprises a guide unit of the style and type illustrated in Figure 7 and differentiated by the numeral 59. This comprises a vertical metal bar 2!] having laterally directed apertured end portions 2! and 22 which serve as guides for the vertically disposed reciprocatory valve rod or stem 23. The lower end portion 22 has a curved offset attaching tang or extension 2 2 riveted or otherwise fastened to the interior of the hopper so as to dispose the guide elements 2! and 22 respectively in alignment with the discharge opening in the bottom of the hopper. On its intermediate portion the valve stem is provided with .a beveled valve element or head 25 proportioned to lit in and extend slightly down through the discharge hole in the hopper. The numeral 26 designates a thrust head or button such as may be conveniently utilized in connection with the palm of the hand in opening the valve by an upward lifting action. The numeral 21 designates a longitudinally curved or bowed agitator having its central apertured portion mounted slidably and rotatably on the valve stem and held down against the valve head 25 by means of an expansion coiled spring 28. The spring 28 surrounds the valve stem bearing at its lower end against the intermediate part of the agitator 21 and its upper end against said guide 22 which has the additional function of a stop element for the spring. This provides a Well balanced spring-closed valve assembly found to be especially fitted and eflicient in permitting the material in the container to be regulated and discharged in a variable quantity.

Attention at this time is invited to Figure 6 wherein an alternative form of hanger 29 is illustrated. This comprises a suitably shaped plate C3 having .a plurality of suction cups 3i fitted to be attached to the wall. Portions of the plate are struck out as indicated at the point 32 and 33 to provide keepers to accommodate the retention channels I3 of the part I? already described.

Some of the features of the invention are .as follows: Stress is placed upon the provision of a simple and practical dispenser having controllable regulatory valve means in the form of a valve assembly affording utmost economy and convenience for dispensing the fluent material placed in the container. The container is detachable from the wall or other supporting means for refilling and cleaning. On its interior it is free of obstruction whereby to permit convenient filling with the material to be dispensed or to permit the carton containing the material to be inserted bodily. In this connection it is to be observed that the valve agitating means is so placed as not to interfere with such placement of the filled carton.

A careful consideration of the foregoing description in conjunction with the illustrative drawings will enable the reader to obtain a clear understanding of the purpose, features and advantages, the explicit construction, and the invention as hereinafter claimed.

It is to be understood that minor changes in shape, size, relative proportions, and materials may be resorted to in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the invention as now claimed.

Having thus described my invention, what 1 claim is:

1. A dispensing device of the class described comprising a container having a hopper-shaped lower end provided with a centrally arranged hole, a guide member located in the container, a stem supported for vertical movement by said guide member, said stem having a valve member intermediate its ends for closing the hole, a spring for normally holding the stem in a position with the valve member closing the hole, and a downwardly bowed strip having a centrally arranged hole therein through which the stem passes, with one end of the spring bearing against the central part of the strip to hold the same against the valve member, said strip being slidably and rotatably arranged on the stem and acting as an agitator for the material within the container.

2. A dispensing device of the class described comprising a container having a hopper-shaped lower end provided with a centrally arranged hole, a vertically arranged guide member of substantially channel shape located in the container and having horizontally arranged flanges, the lower one of which is provided with a downwardly curved extension which is fastened to a portion of the internal wall of the lower end of the container, said horizontally arranged flanges of said channel-shaped member having holes therein, a valve stem passing through said holes, a disk shaped valve member on an intermediate part of the stem, a spring encircling the stem and having one end bearing against the said lower flange and its other end against the valve member for normally holding the valve member in position closing the hole and means for operating the valve.

MARCIA WILSON FITZKEE. 

